Hebrews 12:28–29 (NIV): 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.” 

Hebrews 12:25–29 (Hebrews): The proper attitude of Christians must be one of awe that a Being of such majesty and glory could find a way to dwell eternally with such sin controlled and sin-injured creatures as us. Since our “God is a consuming fire,” we must cry with Isaiah, “Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?” (Is 33:14). God’s love is just such a fire, it destroys what it cannot purify, but purifies what it cannot destroy. In Jesus we have a relationship that cannot be destroyed (Rom 8:38–39). Our great king is leading us through trials and difficulties in order that we may at last cry with Job, “He knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10 KJV). (Ray Stedman, IVP Commentary)

This is the latest of a passage at the end of my reading list I labeled “Ancient Wells.” These are passages of Scripture I go to from time to time to dwell on familiar passages to me… and allow those ancient wells to bring fresh water to my soul again. To end my reading on that note has a sense of holy hush to it. I am before the mountain of God, his presence overwhelming me, and I am to move from this mountain back into my routine with a a sense of holy calling. The kingdom of God is real. The king is powerful. My vocation in this world has deep meaning.

May my heart show gratitude. May my life be lived as a living sacrifice before my king.

Amen.